Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced a four-count indictment against eight individuals accused of violating the Federal Controlled Substances Act. The individuals, ranging in age from 22 to 52, were charged following their arrest by local law enforcement and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents.
The indictment charges all eight with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, as per Title 21 of the U.S.C. Garrett McClain Jr., one of the accused, faces additional charges for possession with intent to distribute significant quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Similarly, Regginald Henry and Tawan Anthony face further charges related to possession with intent to distribute these substances. Roy Short is also facing additional charges.
The legal consequences for those convicted include mandatory minimum sentences ranging from five years to life imprisonment, substantial fines up to $10 million, supervised release periods, and special assessment fees.
The alleged conspiracy was centered around Larry Turner's residence in Tickfaw, Louisiana. A federal search warrant executed at this location resulted in the recovery of over five kilograms of suspected fentanyl in counterfeit pill form and multiple firearms.
Simpson commended various law enforcement agencies for their efforts in this case. These include the DEA’s Fentanyl Overdose Response Team (FORT), Hammond Police Department, Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office, Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana National Guard among others. Assistant United States Attorney Stuart Theriot is handling the prosecution.
Simpson emphasized that an indictment is merely a charge and that defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
